| We got up around 7 AM and prepared
for the day. I had to run down to the train station to ensure
our reservations for the Glacier Express. After that,
we ate a little breakfast, took the tram to the station, and got
on board. Traveling on the train in Switzerland is very easy.
You have your voucher validated in the reservation office, get
on, write the date of travel on your ticket (if you have a
Flexipass), then the ticket person punches your ticket. Very
easy. Train ride to Lucerne |
The trip to Lucerne is very
short, about 1 hour. We were enjoying the trip so much, we
didn't even realize it was going by so quickly. Once at the
train station, we followed the directions we received from the
hotel and went to check-in. Because we got there so earlier, our
room wasn't ready. No problem, go and see Lucerne. We followed
the guided tour in the Frommer's book, which was pretty good. We
went to a museum that had many photographs of Picasso and a good
collection of his sketches. It was worth the stop.
Walking around Lucerne |
Hint: While traveling in
Switzerland, visit the Tourist Information office. They are
EXTREMELY helpful. Advice is free, they are friendly, and no
cost to you. They even do hotel bookings. We started feeling a
little tired, so we thought we would try a boat or tram ride. At
the tourist office, we asked what kind of boat rides were
available. The lady informed us there was a boat leaving in 15
minutes. We could go up the lake, get off at any of the 10 towns
along the way. There were many boats leaving and returning, about
one every 30 minutes. So, how much? Well, the 5 hour ride is
about 50 francs a piece. Do you have a rail pass or a discount
pass, sir? Why, yes, I do. Oh, then the ride is free. Sweet!
Apparently, most of the boats are included on our Swiss Rail
pass. Excellent. We get on and go up to the first class level
and go inside the front of the boat. At the front table, which
has the best view, is sitting a lady and her daughter. I ask if
any of the 5 remaining seats are available and she said she had
more coming. Right. One more. Fortunately, they got off after 2
hours. Nasty woman. Anyway, the boat ride was amazing. Just one beautiful view after the other. The boat had beer,
pop, and food available. The cabin we were in was pretty warm.
Both Lisa and I took turns going outside to cool off. I think in
hindsight, I would have gotten off at one of the towns and
walked around, but every part of the boat trip was good. The boat
was only scheduled to go on this trip one more day, so we were
very lucky. Boat trip from Lucerne |
